DiscoverThe Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup383: Central Asia: A Chaotic Journey Across An Overlooked Region
383: Central Asia: A Chaotic Journey Across An Overlooked Region

383: Central Asia: A Chaotic Journey Across An Overlooked Region

Update: 2025-12-03
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After 5 intense weeks of travel across Turkey, Central Asia, and Prague, I finally made it back to the Expat Money Studios in Panama to bring you a full debrief on the journey. From scouting new destinations to dealing with airline chaos at a level I’ve never seen before (and that’s saying a lot), this trip had a bit of everything.

In this episode, I’m joined by my colleague Marc Clair as we break down the countries I visited, the people I met, the challenges I faced along the way, and why, despite the insanity, travel remains one of the most powerful and important tools for building real freedom.

Enjoy!

 

IN TODAY’S EPISODE


  • Listen in to hear why Turkey has become our seasonal base for European and Central Asian travel
  • Find out why Kyrgyzstan shocked me with its mix of friendliness, modern infrastructure, and stunning mountain landscape
  • Hear me detail the “Qatar Airways fiasco,” from last-minute ticketing issues to overnight airport chaos and how it nearly derailed the trip
  • Get the story behind my keynote at the Free Cities Conference in Prague, delivered despite arriving exhausted and sick


 

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WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026


Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Get your tickets now, as space is very limited. 

 

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No Plan-B Without the Language

If you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.

Story Learning Courses

Gold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch It

Fiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/gold

Offshore Gold & Silver

No Plan-B Without the Language

If you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.

Story Learning Courses

Join Me In Panama For Our Next Tour

I have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would.
This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last…
If you have been thinking about Panama, then I want to make an invitation to you today.
Come join me for a special four-day tour to see if the country I call home is right for you and your family.
We have just released the next set of trip dates. You can find out more at ExpatMoney.com/fly.
Come visit me and the Expat Money team, get a feel for the country and see if Panama makes sense for investment or as a new home.

Panama Fly'n Buy Real Estate Tour

Gold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch It

Fiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/gold

Offshore Gold & Silver

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383: Central Asia: A Chaotic Journey Across An Overlooked Region

383: Central Asia: A Chaotic Journey Across An Overlooked Region